Affiliate Summit West 2010 | The Aftermath
Voted as FAVORITE pic on WickedFire!
Well this is an overdue post, but here it is in all it’s glory. This was our first time to ASW and let me tell you, it was everything ‘they’ said it would be.
First, let me just explain that you are NOT looking at a prelude to an orgy, as a matter of fact, it was just one of those really happy moments that happens at these parties where hundreds of people do not know each other. We were even voted FAVORITE pic on WickedFire!
So you’re looking at:
- the not-so-famous me (and if you can’t figure out who I am since I’m the only girl here, then I’m gonna have to make sure I shave a little more often)
- the very famous John Chow (the only other Asian in the pic)
- the infamous Travis Skindzier (the only striped shirt on the bed)
- and my new friend Nathan (the only one even close to looking at the camera).
We’re actually sitting atop a perfectly round bed that rotates 360 degrees and looks out over this amazing view of the strip from the Palms hotel. This suite was spectacular to say the least. We’re talking, outdoor jacuzzi the size of a swimming pool, glass bottom floors, a bath tub that had water falling from the ceiling and an open bar. What more could we ask for? Oh wait, that’s right, a room full of gorgeous (yes, movie star-like) people. Thanks to the Neverblue Affiliate Network and Plenty of Fish for throwing such a fun bash!
THE SUMMIT – Day 1
Thank heavens there wasn’t a schedule I needed to adhere to, or my post would have much less for you. Jason & I leisurely made our way downstairs on the first day and walked around this cramped room full of tables of all sorts of exhibitors. Though my first impression was: unorganized and unruly, I soon realized that the first day is very informal. People were still starting to set up after 12 noon!
Other than a goodie bag, we didn’t miss much or get much done on the first day.
THE MEETUP
With things being quite chaotic, it was easy to break away and head to a meet up that Carl Fiorentino, better known as the famous DavBit, had arranged for us PPC-Coach & Media Buys Coach Members to finally meet face to face.
All affiliate marketers understand the intensely giving relationships forged on the world wide web and it’s amazing how you can speak to someone for a year or more and never see their face. I finally got to meet all these guys and (1) gal who I’d been working with in some form or another since last year.
This meetup was one of the highest items on my priority list and to check it off so successfully was super gratifying.
THE SUMMIT – Day 2 & 3
Ok, so the next days, they ‘meet’ market was opened up. This is a larger room where ALL the vendors congregate and pretty much peddle their services.
With 80% + of us walking around being internet marketers of some sort, there were a TON of affiliate networks on the prowl. However, the LAST thing I needed was yet ANOTHER network to tell me that ‘they’re going to guarantee me the highest payout.’ I realized it must be quite a tough gig for them with all the competition.
Most AM’s (affiliate marketers) I know are pretty loyal to a handful of networks even though they’ve got about 30 accounts open at various agencies. What I was looking for were new relationships with either direct advertisers or traffic sources. Unfortunately, the traffic sources were lacking, but there were quite a few direct advertisers in some new verticals I haven’t even tackled.
With all that being said, one of my main focuses for 2010 was getting a product of our own out. Not knowing which direction that would lead me, I met some pretty cool guys that will provide me just what I am looking for that has prompted us to rebrand a very new and innovative product that will change one of the industry giants shortly. I can’t wait to get all of our packaging and distribution lined up so I can send you right to the product so you can promote it and make a killing off of it too!!! Stay tuned…
VALERIE – THE BEAUTIFUL TV GAL
As we were walking out of the summit on the 2nd day, we ran into this beautiful gal, Valerie, which the guys quickly tried to pick up. Turns out she was producing a television show to highlight the successes of internet marketers such as ourselves with unusual stories. She was interested enough in us to ask to interview all of us the next day.
Well through a chain of unavoidable events, Jason & I were the only ones that made it to the interview the next day. Valerie even had to finagle a way to get us back in since the summit was officially closed.
This lady was quite obviously a pro at what she did because the interview went without a hitch with just one take. I’ll post it as soon as I get a copy.
We even talked to the producers afterwards. After taking about 5 minutes to explain what affiliate marketing actually is in laymen’s terms, they invited me to explain this to the Oprah audience when they get on her show. I’ve had promises made to me in the past, but this is sure as heck one that I hope is fo’ realz! Harpo Studios…here I come!
OVERALL
The summit has opened up 2010 for infinite possibilities. My challenge has always been finding the time to do everything I possibly can while making sure I see my children too!
The networking aspect was as amazing as I expected and the product manufacturer I needed for the upcoming year was icing on the cake.
ADTECH
AdTech is quickly approaching in April, but I have a week with Nouveau Riche happening at the same time, so I’ll either have to do some fancy juggling or wait until the next AdTech.
TRUTH
For those of you that are looking for something to push you over the edge, I highly recommend you go to these summits. The networking alone will make your business in the next year to come. It is not uncommon for someone making $100 to scale it to $1,000 with the right resources behind them.
To your success!
Lee
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
uh oh, on oprah? i hope you get that chance, that’ll be a big leap!
i had your site on my favorites and was like hmmm lets check it out. hope you’re doing ok =]
Hey!!! It’s been so long! What are you up to these days? What kinda projects do you have your hands in?
Hi Lee,
Did the interview ever get posted?
Good to hear you had a good time at ASW. I’d use the event for networking with affiliates (esp at the meetup202 session) and networks.
For traffic sources, you’d have better luck at AdTech, possibly PubCon.
Hey Andrew! Well yes, the networking was incredible for us this year. We’re at a whole new level now. I have AdTech on my radar, but was swamped this past April.
I still have to text that Valerie gal to get the interview links. I’d love to see how it turns out. Sort of anyways. I always cringe at the sight of myself on TV…lol